coziness continued

Okay, okay - I just couldn't help it. I got carried away by all the cozy goodness of my last post and my mind started spinning, and my fingers started searching, and you know what happens after that. But come on - how cute is this little hand knit mug cozy!? It's from Wayside Violet's Shop on Etsy of course. And it's seriously so adorable I think I could keep drinking from it all the day long.
I was looking for regular hand knit scarves - really I was - but you guys know how I love things that are different from the norm. When I came across this leafy button scarf from Bright Light's Shop I was totally entranced! (I refuse to use the term 'smitten' because it's the new overused buzzword and I hate it) And she has other really unique creations too!
Those of you who know me all-too-well know that my life revolves around my dogs :) So I couldn't resist throwing something cozy in for our little furry friends. Here we have a softer-than-soft pet nest blankie made of minky material from Your Lovey Boutique. Cat or dog, if your baby loves to burrow and be oh-so-cozy, this is oh-so-adorable :)
Now, I'm trying really, REEEELY hard not to play favorites here people, but seriously... are these lidded mugs not the MOST DARLING THINGS YOU'VE EVER SEEN!?!?! Sheesh, I nearly had a come-apart when I laid eyes on them. They're hand made from Karen Goldberg 1's Shop, which is a must-see because her pottery is simply FABU!!!
Oooooooh, so soft, so cozy, so lovely anywhere in your house! What is more comforting than chenille!? This 16x16 pillow cover is in my personal "favorites" list. It comes from Vintage Home's Shop and it's just simply dreamy. Take a peek - she's gearing up for the holidays too!
And last but certainly not least (especially for those of us who can't seem to get enough of felt - and I mean real felt, not the stupid fabric store felt), here is a simple die cut wool felt coaster set from Filz Felt's Shop. So very understated, so very useful, so very cool.

So happy Monday and have another cozy day!

M.I.A.

Hi all :) Sorry I've been Missing In Action lately. My random photos will give you some clues as to why I've been away and what I've been up to. First of all though, many thanks to all of you who made comments here, or through e-mail, or in person, or on Facebook... about the RED BED! It was awesome to have so much enthusiasm :) Thank you!

As you can see from the stack above, I had 125 Christmas cards to address. I really don't mind because I enjoy sending something handwritten in this day and age. But it is time consuming. Our assembly line to get the cards ready worked out great though - I folded the newsletter, my 17-year-old put the newsletter and greeting card into the envelopes, my husband sealed the envelopes, and the Mouse put the return stickers and stamps on. Now that's what I'm talkin bout! And the usual brawl didn't start until later when we were playing Uno...
Now, between the hot cocoa and oatmeal on a tray, and the cute little toes poking out from underneath a blanky, I bet you can guess what else has been going on... the Mouse has been sick with a sore throat and swollen glands - fun stuff. He missed 3 days of school, but I am happy to report he's feeling better, and is caught up on his homework. And went back to school today. After I shoved him out the door. 
If you look at the photo below, here's another fun update (and subliminal message): my iPhoto program went *kablooey* and nearly gave me a freaking heart attack. I had over 6,000 photos on it - most of them backed-up fortunately (Europe and everything!) - and I spent an entire evening at the Apple Store. After navigating 3 freeways to get there. And spending 4 hours walking in circles. At a crowded mall during the holidays. While they reloaded all 6,000 photos one by one. By one. That was a really fun evening. 
But here is a favorite reason I've been missing... I've finally started decorating for Christmas! My husband put up the outdoor lights while I decorated our front porch. In 90 degree weather. Sheesh. A few days later all of us trimmed our tree while we listened to Christmas music. Our "less is more" theme turned out lovely. I still need to get my nativity scenes out, and our stockings, but things are looking good. I have had this precious little angel (below) since I was very young. It's one of the only Christmas decorations I have of my parents' things. She's teeny tiny, and so sweet. I really, really cherish her :)
I've been busy doing the usual things too, but I refrained from taking photos of our dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and the Poo Garden, for obvious reasons.

And guess what! I finally finished making *Rochelle's double-dipped rice crispy treats* and have the pics to prove it! Oh my gosh - soooooo good! We are flipping out over here! And I'm also excited to introduce you to another wonderful, talented friend of mine. Maria. She's so awesome. So stay tuned - fun things are on their way!